Life and Religion

One of the benefits of living in Charlotte is the city’s prime location. It’s the perfect starting point for a weekend road trip. Journey to the Carolina coastline for a tranquil respite. Take a quick trip to the Piedmont for a lesson in black history or enjoy a leisurely drive through the mountains to the vineyards of the Yadkin Valley.

Gear up for an island escapeTake a drive along the Carolina coastline and check into The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island.

The four-story ultra-luxurious oceanfront getaway, reminiscent of a seaside mansion, features a luxurious spa, large marble walk-in showers, retail shops, a concierge level, gardens and a grand lobby with spectacular ocean views.

Experience a weekend of great cars in a beautiful setting as The River Course hosts the Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat Nov. 15–Nov. 17. More than 30 Concours-quality cars and over 60 classic, collectible, exotic and special interest cars will be on display. The supercharged weekend also includes a valuation seminar, gala, main event and road tour & brunch. www.kiawahislandmotoringretreat.com

Wine country paradise

You don’t have to travel across the country and spend a weekend in Napa Valley to sip good vino. Just take a relatively short drive up I-77 and visit the scenic wineries of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley.

Kick off the holiday season at Shelton Vineyards in Dobson. Enjoy free admission during the annual Holiday Open House Nov. 23–Nov. 24. The Holiday Open House will feature caroling, mulled spice wines, free hayrides, local arts and crafts and plenty of gift ideas to begin checking off your shopping list.

Spending time with the family or a significant other? Reconnect while taking a leisurely drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Stop at the overlooks to take in the stunning vistas and take advantage of the fantastic photo opportunities. www.VerySurry.com

Take a journey back in time Spend the weekend in Greensboro. Head downtown to visit the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, which is housed at the historic Woolworth Building, where on Feb. 1, 1960, four N.C. A&T State University students sat a segregated counter, sparking the civil rights sit-in movement.

In addition to paying tribute to those four students, the Museum also serves as an archival center, museum and theatrical facility devoted to the struggle for civil and human rights around the world.

The Greensboro Cultural Center at Festival Park is home to 12 visual and performing arts organizations and four art galleries. Check out the African-American Atelier. www.VisitGreensboroNC.com